BLOSSOMS Fall Twice To HSU To Even Series

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Henderson State defeated the University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team twice on Friday to even the four-game Great American Conference series at two wins for each team. Final scores were 4-2 and 5-0.
In the first game, UAM (20-16, 7-7 GAC) scored both of its runs in the top of the first inning on a bases loaded walk from junior Brittany Eitel followed by an RBI fielder's choice from junior Summer Huddleston.
However, HSU (17-19, 11-9 GAC) immediately responded with three runs in the bottom of the first, taking advantage of a UAM error. The Lady Reddies also scored in the inning on a double-steal. HSU finalized the scoring on a solo homerun from Hail Kizer in the bottom of the third inning. UAM left the bases loaded in the fourth and left runners in scoring position in each of the fifth and sixth innings.
Junior Courtney Wilson took the loss after allowing four runs (one earned) off six hits with no strikeouts and one walk in the first 2.1 innings. Kayla Williams (10-7) earned the win for HSU in complete-game fashion, allowing two runs off four hits with four strikeouts and six walks in seven innings of work.

In the second game, HSU went to the long ball for most of its run production. Amber Wilburn hit a solo shot in the second to open the scoring, followed by an RBI double from Kizer in the third. The Lady Reddies finalized the scoring on a three-run homerun from Katie Hulan in the bottom of the fourth.
Freshman Kali Piha and junior Hannah Pendley led UAM offensively. Piha went 2-for-4, while Pendley was 2-for-3. UAM left eight runners on base in the loss. Sophomore Katie Slaughter (10-5) took the loss after allowing five runs off five hits with five strikeouts and just one walk in six innings of work. Cagen Medlock (1-2) earned the win for HSU tossing a six-hit shutout with two strikeouts and one walk.
The Cotton Blossoms are back in action next weekend on the road for a four-game GAC series against Arkansas Tech.